News an Photos by:
Ha Yong Tat, Liang Jia Wen, Nur Aida Faqihah Shukri, and Nurayza Nor Azlan
From August 21 to 24, 2024, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus, Thailand, hosted the Thaksin University Social Innovation Camp 2024. This event brought together 50 participants, including 20 local students and 30 international students from Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and China. The camp aimed to enhance problem-solving skills, encourage creative application of knowledge, and foster innovation for social development. Additionally, the event served to strengthen the positive connections between Thaksin University and its global partners.
The Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) proudly sent four students - Ha Yong Tat (SOIS), Liang Jia Wen (SBM), Nur Aida Faqihah Shukri (SBM), and Nurayza Nor Azlan (SEFB) - who represented diverse academic backgrounds.
The camp began with a warm welcome from Associate Prof. Dr. Samak Kaewsuksaeng, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Thaksin University. Participants were then given a tour of the Faculty of Engineering, visiting the Rubber and Polymer Plant as well as the Mechatronics Plant. They also attended an insightful lecture on SDG Social Innovation delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirilak Chuaypanang. The first evening concluded with a traditional Thai welcome party featuring cultural performances, including traditional dance and music.
On the second day, participants embarked on a visit to local communities, including the Lenoi Craft Community Enterprise, Happy Chicken Happy Farm, and Sri Naka Natural Dyeing Local Enterprise. These visits provided participants with firsthand exposure to local enterprises and the challenges faced by these communities. Direct communication with community members allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the local context and identify areas where social innovation could make a meaningful impact.
The third day featured a university tour of the Faculty of Health and Sport Science, where participants were thrilled to engage in a hands-on class, learning to make a traditional Thai herbal inhaler. The day also included a Thai Boxing session, where participants learned basic self-defence techniques. The activities continued with a Thai cooking class, where everyone learned to prepare traditional Thai desserts.
The final day of the camp was dedicated to brainstorming sessions, where participants worked in groups to develop social innovation proposals aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each group presented innovative ideas aimed at transforming local communities. The camp concluded with a memorable farewell party, where each group performed a "secret performance," celebrating the bonds formed during the camp.
The hospitality extended by Thaksin University was exceptional, from the warm reception at Hatyai Train Station to the heartfelt send-off on the final day. The camp successfully transformed participants from strangers into close friends, fostering a deep connection between UUM and Thaksin University. This event not only marked a significant milestone in international collaboration but also laid the foundation for future partnerships between the universities.